Suggestions for affordable, growing warm weather cities? (bank owned, real estate)

[rlmans]

We are looking to relocate our family (with 2 teens: 18 and 15) to a warm weather city. Our requirements are winter weather above 45 degrees, reasonably priced housing (e.g. $350k for 2500 sq feet), a growing economy, vibrant attitude and proximity to top colleges. We'd love to live near water (ocean? large lake?) and racial diversity is a plus. For example, San Diego would be great but the housing and cost of living is too expensive. We don't EVER have to see four seasons and would like a more tropical feel to the weather (e.g. breezy, warm, sunny.) Appreciate your recommendations!

[kyle19125]

Finding anyplace that's growing right now would be something of a challenge. Florida is however forecasted to achieve 2% job growth over the next few years which is one of the highest percentages of any state. I'd recommend checking out northern Pinellas County, Florida. I just recently moved to the area from the Northeast US after an extensive search of beach-accessible areas in Florida. Check out the Palm Harbor/Oldsmar/Safety Harbor area which is 30 minutes northwest of Tampa and adjoining the NE side of Clearwater. It's a beautiful, friendly, less-crowded area with great schools and very well-priced housing. The beaches are 15-20 minutes away. The University of South Florida, University of Tampa, the University of Central Florida and the University of Florida are all within proximity of the area though UCF and UF are not commutable on a daily basis ( 2 hours away). A quick look online pulled up 24 homes in the 300K-350K range with 4 or more bedrooms with a pool, 2500+ square feet and non-bank owned properties. Good luck!

[j_cat]

I haven't been there, but from what I've heard, you sound like a possible Houston type.

[Heidi60]

Atlanta has a large migration into it.

[BeauCharles]

Sacramento. While the economy has taken a hit in the foreclosure crisis it will come back and I bet soon. State capital of CA, decent about of tech employers, Cal State Sacramento and UC Davis in the metro area, two hours to San Francisco, two hours to Lake Tahoe, nice downtown, two pretty rivers, one of the most diverse (if not the most diverse) cities in the country.

Winters are cool, but definitely above 45 degrees on average (highs usually in the 50s - although you will know its winter in relation to the other seasons) and summers are hot and dry, spring and fall are like paradise - 70s and 80s with low humidity. Real estate prices are absolutely in line with your requirement.

[rlmans]

Thanks for the posts, everyone! Tampa and Houston are on my list but I hadn't thought of Sacramento. I'll check out the cost of living.

[AK123]

Originally Posted by rlmans

We are looking to relocate our family (with 2 teens: 18 and 15) to a warm weather city. Our requirements are winter weather above 45 degrees, reasonably priced housing (e.g. $350k for 2500 sq feet), a growing economy, vibrant attitude and proximity to top colleges. We'd love to live near water (ocean? large lake?) and racial diversity is a plus. For example, San Diego would be great but the housing and cost of living is too expensive. We don't EVER have to see four seasons and would like a more tropical feel to the weather (e.g. breezy, warm, sunny.) Appreciate your recommendations!

Originally Posted by rlmans

Thanks for the posts, everyone! Tampa and Houston are on my list but I hadn't thought of Sacramento. I'll check out the cost of living.

Agree, but what's above in bold I think would put Houston well ahead of the other two.
Also, Houston is also going to be well above the two others on certain big-city amenities (arts/culture, restaurants, museums) if you care about those sorts of things.